Thyme

This ancient, pungent herb originated from the Mediterranean areas ranging from Spain to Italy. Botanically it is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and grows as a shrub.

There are more than 400 varieties of thyme, the most common subspecies being Thymus vulgaris, or "common thyme." which is now cultivated in Eastern and Southern Europe, Northern Africa and the United States.

Thyme has a long history. Throughout the ages this versatile herb has been used for dietary, medicinal, ritualistic and ornamental purposes. The flowers, leaves, and oil of thyme have been used to treat a range of symptoms for a variety of complaints. Thyme was well regarded by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for its antiseptic properties.

It is believed that Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming. Its high thymol content helped kill bacteria and fungus and its scent helped remediated the odors of decomposition.

Both the Ancient Romans and the Greeks bathed in thyme and used it as incense. They believed thyme brought strength, bravery and courage and gave it to soldiers leaving for battle.

The Romans threw thyme on their floors to deter venomous creatures. They thought that eating thyme before or during a meal would cure poisons, making it especially popular among Roman emperors.

During the time of the Black Death, thyme was used in several medicines as treatment. Victorian Era, nurses would often bandage wounds with a thyme solution.

In medieval Europe, wild thyme was thought to attract fairies, especially on midsummer's eve. There is a Christian legend that thyme was in the hay of the manger for the infant Jesus and consequently, has had a wonderful scent ever since.

In the 19th century AD, constituents of thyme oils were used by dentists to treat oral abscesses and inflammation and as an antiseptic.

While research is on-going it is currently believed that thyme’s anti-bacterial anti-fungal and antioxidant properties may be effective in the treatment and prevention of many conditions such as certain types of cancers, infection, anemia, acne and Athlete’s foot.  It may also promote hair, eye and heart health and restful sleep.

Thyme is most commonly paired with rosemary and sage, but it actually goes well with a variety of other spices, like garlic seasoning, oregano, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. It’s used in lots of different sauces and Italian dishes, often with sage and rosemary and, also goes nicely in a dry rub. Seasoning food with thyme also reduces the need for salt and is helpful in preparing low sodium foods.